Weather In-Depth: Western New York’s dry (air) season

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — We are obviously getting into the winter season and it is getting colder, but it is also the dry season for Western New York. By some estimates, if the temperature drops by 20 degrees the capacity of the air to hold moisture is cut in half.

We can feel that on our skin as it begins to dry out. We also get that static electricity when you walk on the carpet and touch something metal. So what is going on?

What about that moisture and the moisture you have in your house? And what is happening when you heat — up the house? That is where things start getting a little interesting.

Take a look at this dry air scenario. The outside air is about 85% for relative humidity, but then when you take that same air and bring it inside, the humidity is going to drop off significantly. It may only be about 18% once it gets in the house. It is extremely dry. This is why a lot of folks have a humidifier in the house: To add some moisture back into the air.

I always wanted to put a humidifier and a dehumidifier in the same room. And just let them battle it out!

We need the moisture this time of the year.